U’s No. 1 Cousins, dropped from the starting line-up following John Sullivan’s arrival on a month’s loan from Charlton, will regain his place at home to Oldham Athletic this aftermoon.

Cousins sat twiddling his thumbs on the bench, during Sullivan’s four games for the U’s, and although he picked up tips from the Addicks loanee, it was otherwise a largely redundant four weeks for the 25-year-old custodian.

Ever-present for the U’s first 19 senior games of the campaign, Cousins suddenly didn’t have a game of any sort to play in, not even for the Reserves or under-21s.

“It’s only a month, but it’s been a long month for me!” rued Cousins.

“In fact, I have not played any games this month! There was one reserve game straight away, but I didn’t play in that.

“I was supposed to play a game in the Senior Cup (against Brentwood) last week, but that got called off.

“I was also meant to play for the under-21s (against Charlton) on Monday night, but that got called off again, as did last night’s (Tuesday’s) game against Brentwood.

“So it’s been a frustrating couple of weeks for me, because I had wanted to get a game under my belt ahead of this weekend.

“However, I’m looking forward to playing again. I have my hunger back for it, and I’m raring to go again,” added Cousins.

Cousins has been no stranger to having to bide his time, on the bench, in past years – he played second fiddle to Ben Williams in the three previous seasons.

“I’ve done it before, having to adapt to being in and out of the team,” continued Cousins.

“Last season I went six or seven weeks without a game, and then had to step back in at Bournemouth, so it will be OK.

“And this time it’s been different. The manager (Joe Dunne) told me his plans a month ago, that I would just be out for a month and then come back in. It’s always good when a manager is upfront and honest with you.”